Dictionary: meaning, definitions and examples
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dictionary
[ˈdɪkʃ(ə)n(ə)ri ]
Definition
reference
A book or electronic resource that lists the words of a language (typically in alphabetical order) and gives their meaning, or gives the equivalent words in a different language, often also providing information about pronunciation, origin, and usage.
Synonyms
lexicon, vocabulary, wordbook.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dictionary |
Use in academic or educational settings when referring to a book or digital resource that provides the definitions, spellings, and pronunciations of words.
|
| lexicon |
Suitable for scholarly or specialized discussions about the vocabulary of a particular language, subject, or social group.
|
| vocabulary |
Commonly used in casual or formal speech and writing when referring to the set of words known and used by a person, group, or language.
|
| wordbook |
Considered somewhat archaic and less commonly used; it could be appropriate in literary texts or historical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- I always keep a dictionary on my desk.
- She used the dictionary to look up the meaning of a word.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'dictionary' comes from the Latin root 'dictio', meaning 'saying' or 'word'.
- The first known use of the term in English was in the 15th century, originally relating to 'a book of words'.
Literature
- One of the earliest dictionaries in English was compiled by Samuel Johnson in 1755, setting standards for future lexicons.
- Dictionaries have evolved over time, from simple word lists to comprehensive references including phonetics and usage examples.
Education
- Educational institutions often use dictionaries as essential tools for teaching vocabulary and language skills.
- Modern dictionaries now also include digital versions, making access to words easier than ever.
Technology
- Today, online dictionaries provide instant access to definitions, synonyms, and pronunciation guides.
- Applications and software have transformed how people utilize dictionaries, with features like voice search and translation.
Cultural Impact
- The Oxford English Dictionary is renowned worldwide for its comprehensive coverage of the English language's evolution.
- Dictionaries not only help communicate but also reflect cultural changes, as new words are continually added based on trends and societal shifts.
Translations
Translations of the word "dictionary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 dicionário
🇮🇳 शब्दकोश
🇩🇪 Wörterbuch
🇮🇩 kamus
🇺🇦 словник
🇵🇱 słownik
🇯🇵 辞書 (じしょ)
🇫🇷 dictionnaire
🇪🇸 diccionario
🇹🇷 sözlük
🇰🇷 사전 (sajeon)
🇸🇦 قاموس (qāmūs)
🇨🇿 slovník
🇸🇰 slovník
🇨🇳 词典 (cídiǎn)
🇸🇮 slovar
🇮🇸 orðabók
🇰🇿 сөздік
🇬🇪 ლექსიკონი (leksikoni)
🇦🇿 lüğət
🇲🇽 diccionario